Onslow County Schools thanks school board members for their service

In observance of January as School Board Appreciation Month, the Onslow County Schools staff took a moment during the Tuesday night Board of Education meeting to recognize School Board members

Jannette Pippin Daily News Staff jannette_pippin

After sharing the accomplishments of students and staff with the audience, the spotlight that begins each Onslow County Board of Education meeting turned to the board members.

In observance of January as School Board Appreciation Month, the Onslow County Schools staff took a moment during the Tuesday night Board of Education meeting to recognize board members Pam Thomas, chairwoman; Brock Ridge, co-chairman; Earl Taylor, Paul Wiggins, Joel Churchwell, Bob Williams and Jonathan Merritt.

Superintendent Rick Stout called the board members “difference-makers.”

“Every day they are involved in events, conversations and discussions that create change and that make a difference,” Stout said, standing at the podium decorated with a poster reading, “Thank you for all you do.”

Stout said the board members regularly face challenging decisions and are tasked with the time-consuming duties of attending meetings and school functions, reading proposals and studying reports.

Yet, he said, they are serving on the board because they care.

“These seven servant leaders have laid out a vision for our district, put together a structure to achieve that vision, made sure our schools had the tools to get the job done, and strongly advocated for continuous improvement in student learning,” Stout said.

While they make a special effort in January to show their appreciation, Stout said they work to recognize the year-round commitment each board member makes.

Blue Creek Elementary students Cody Phillips, Logan Phillips, Jack Johnson, Matthew Edens, Darrin Kegyes, Katie Otis and Liam Buckley joined in the recognition, presenting each board member with a bag of gifts on behalf of the school district. The gifts included notes of appreciation and a book with a main character who is a “difference maker.”

Stout closed the recognition with his own words of appreciation.

“Board members, I want to sincerely thank you for all that you do to serve our children,” he said. “I am honored to serve as your superintendent.”

The spotlight celebration was the primary business of the night other than approval of the consent agenda.